After He's Gone by Jane Isaac

After He's Gone
By Jane Isaac
Published 18 June 2018
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author

Author's description

You think you know him. Until he’s dead.

When Cameron Swift is gunned down outside his family home, DC Beth Chamberlain is appointed Family Liaison Officer: a dual role that requires her to support the family, and also investigate them. 

As the case unfolds and the body count climbs, Beth discovers that nothing is quite as it appears and everyone, it seems, has secrets. 

Even the dead…

My verdict
After He's Gone is the first in a new series by Jane Isaac, featuring DC Beth Chamberlain. I already love her DI Will Jackman series, so couldn't wait to get stuck into her new book. I certainly wasn't disappointed.

The book begins with a bang - literally, as a man is gunned down outside his family home. But what looks like a fairly clearcut case takes Beth Chamberlain on a twisty journey to discover the truth. She's a brilliant new protagonist, with her combination of investigative skills and genuine care for the families she's supporting. It's great to see a crime investigation from a different angle.

As expected, as with all Jane Isaac books, the complex plot is authentic and gripping, with lots of twists and turns. Her gorgeous writing is highly compelling and her characters are believable and realistic - in particular, the family's grief as they struggle to cope with tragedy. How well do you know the ones you love - and how do you cope when they're no longer there?

I've said this before about Jane Isaac's books, and I'll say it again - she writes fast-paced page turners with plenty of heart and is one of my favourite crime fiction authors. Her books keep you guessing and are filled with secrets and lies.

I'm looking forward to following her Beth Chamberlain series.